Veterinary practice and occupational health. An epidemiological study of several professional groups of Dutch veterinarians. I. General physical examination and prevalence of allergy, lung function disorders, and bronchial hyperreactivity.

The prevalence of allergy, lung function disorders, and bronchial hyperreactivity was studied in 102 Dutch veterinarians, subdivided into five professional groups (predominantly working with either swine, cattle, poultry, companion animals, or as a non-practitioner). The mean age of the participants was 43 years; 6 participants were females. Twenty-two per cent of the participants were overweight, and relatively more non-practitioners than practitioners were overweight. Approximately 23% of the vets reported complaints of prolonged fatigue. The data suggest a relationship between complaints of prolonged fatigue and a more than average number of daily working hours. Only a small proportion of vets were sensitized against several allergens. There were no significant differences in prevalence of distinct lung function disorders or bronchial hyperreactivity between professional groups. It is hypothesized that the respiratory complaints (chronic coughing, chronic phlegm production, stuffed nose, sneezing) reported by the vets predominantly working in swine and/or poultry practice could be caused by irritation and/or inflammation of the first part of the trachea-bronchial tree that has no measurable and permanent consequences for changes in lung function or increased bronchial hyperreactivity. The results of a skin test against allergens and determination of allergen-specific IgE in blood indicated that the respiratory complaints were probably not related to allergy against the panel of allergens tested.

Veterinary practice and occupational health. An epidemiological study of several professional groups of Dutch veterinarians. II. Peak expiratory flow variability, dust and endotoxin measurements, use of respiratory protection devices, and time distribution of professional activities.

Dust and endotoxin exposure was measured in the Spring and Autumn in 96 veterinary practitioners, subdivided in four professional groups ((predominantly working with either swine, cattle, poultry, or companion animals). Furthermore, peak expiratory flow (PEF) variability was measured four times a day over a week in Spring and Autumn in order to detect occupation-related respiratory disorders. The participants kept a log book in which they recorded their activities during these periods. Practitioners working with swine, cattle, or poultry had a significantly higher exposure to dust (+/- 5 times) and endotoxin (+/- 10 times) than companion animal practitioners. PEF variability measurements gave no indications for an increased prevalence of bronchial hyperreactivity related to occupational activities. Respiratory protective devices (RPD) were used selectively. Only a small proportion of the practitioners used them at any time when entering a animal confinement building. Swine and cattle practitioners worked for approximately 3.6 hours per day in animal buildings, whereas poultry practitioners worked in the environment of poultry buildings for approximately 2.8 hours per day.